United Way Phone Scam

An investigation is underway on a possible phone scam involving the United Way of Greater St. Joseph’s phone number.

Kylee Strough, president of United Way of Greater St. Joseph, told St. Joseph Post in an email, “We have been contacted by a donor who had received a phone call and voice mail message that appeared to be from our (United Way) main line phone number.

The voice mail message thanked the donor for a contribution that would be billed through his cell phone provider. The donor called the number that appeared on his cell phone caller id and it rang into our (United Way) main phone line.

According to Strough, The United way did not initiate contact with this donor. After speaking with AT&T and the St. Joseph Police Department, it appears that United Way of Greater St. Joseph’s phone number may be involved in a “caller id spoofing” scam.

Strough also explained that the United Way of Greater St. Joseph does make phone calls to donors during this time of year, but no personal information, beyond mailing address or email address, is requested over the phone.

United Way Staff may ask for a pledge over the phone, but donors are never asked to pay pledges over the phone.

Donors are encouraged to utilize several payment methods, including: mailing checks and money orders to PO Box 188, St. Joseph, Missouri 64502; delivering donations to 118 South 5th Street between 8am and 5pm, Monday through Friday or paying by credit card by visiting stjosephunitedway.org.

If someone believes they have been targeted by the scam, contact the St. Joseph Police Department at 816-271-4777.